Latinx representation in the popular imagination has infuriated and befuddled the Latinx community for decades. These misrepresentations and stereotypes soon became as American as apple pie. But these cardboard cutouts and examples of lazy storytelling could never embody the rich traditions and histories of Latinx peoples.
Not seeing real Latinxs on TV and film reels as kids inspired the authors to dive deep into the world of mainstream television and film to uncover examples of representation, good and bad. The result: a riveting ride through televisual and celluloid reels that make up mainstream culture.
The 2020 International Latino Book Awards recently announced that the authors have won first place in the Best Nonfiction-Multi-Author section for “Reel Latinxs.”
Frederick Luis Aldama is the Arts and Humanities Distinguished Professor of English, University Distinguished Scholar, and University Distinguished Teacher at The Ohio State University. He is the author, co-author, and editor of thirty-six books, including “Long Stories Cut Short” and the Eisner Award–winner “Latinx Superheroes in Mainstream Comics.”
Christopher González is Associate Professor of English and Director of the Latinx Cultural Center at Utah State University. He is the author, co-author, and editor of numerous books, including the Perkins Prize Honorable Mention, “Permissible Narratives: The Promise of Latino/a Literature.”
